On Tuesday at 7:32 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a freezing fog advisory for John Day Basin, which would last until Wednesday at 11 a.m.
Expect “Visibility less than one quarter of a mile in freezing fog,” according to the weather agency.
According to the weather service, “driving conditions could be hazardous due to low visibility and slick roads.” “If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of distance ahead of you.”
Understanding freezing fog advisories
When fog occurs and surface temperatures are at or below freezing, a freezing fog advisory is issued. Because of this special atmospheric state, the tiny liquid droplets in the fog instantly freeze when they come into touch with anything, including cars and roads. The presence of freezing fog greatly increases the dangers of driving, boating, and flying, among other forms of transportation. Navigating in these chilly circumstances is made more difficult by this weather phenomenon, which typically reduces visibilities to one mile or less.
A freezing fog: what is it?
A close relative of ice, freezing fog forms similarly to ordinary fog. When the skies are clear, heat travels into space, causing the Earth’s surface to cool. This is how fog and freezing fog begin. The air’s ability to hold onto moisture diminishes as this cooling process goes on, which causes water vapor to condense into tiny liquid droplets—the fundamental building blocks of fog. “Supercooling” is the term for the phenomena whereby the water droplets in this fog stay liquid when it occurs at temperatures below freezing. Essentially, supercooling is the process by which a liquid stays liquid because there is no freezing surface present, even when it is below its freezing point.
These supercooled droplets experience a stunning metamorphosis upon coming into contact with surfaces, crystallizing into fragile ice formations called rime. Trees, plants, and other environmental features, as well as vertical surfaces exposed to prevailing winds, frequently exhibit this change. In actuality, rime can develop on a number of surfaces, such as sidewalks, highways, railings, stairs, and even automobiles.
Black ice: what is it?
Black ice, also known as clear ice, refers to a delicate, nearly invisible layer of glaze ice that forms on various surfaces, especially on roadways. Despite its name, the ice is not black; rather, it has extraordinary transparency, which allows the black road pavement underneath to be seen.
The formation of black ice is frequently attributed to freezing fog, which can swiftly coat roadways with this treacherous hazard. Due to its near-invisibility, black ice is particularly dangerous since it is difficult for drivers to notice.
How can I keep myself safe?
Avoiding travel if at all feasible may be the safest course of action when freezing fog covers your surroundings. If going out becomes inevitable, go with extreme caution and follow these crucial safety precautions:
High alertness:
Be vigilant, as freezing fog can give rise to the notorious black ice, which remains elusive and challenging to spot.
Go at a moderate pace:
Drive at a reduced pace, especially when icy conditions are suspected.
Visibility matters:
Use low-beam headlights, which also turn on your taillights, to make sure that people can see your car. If you have fog lights, use them.
Steer clear of high beams:
Refrain from using high-beam headlights, as they create glare that impairs your visibility on the road.
Keep your gaps safe:
Keep a considerable following distance to account for sudden stops or shifts in traffic patterns.
Remain in your lane:
Use the road’s lane markings as a guide to remaining in the correct lane.
For those taking to the skies, be aware that even a thin layer of ice can form on aircraft surfaces, posing significant flight safety risks. Ensure the aircraft is appropriately treated or equipped with effective de-icing systems before embarking on your journey.
In the realm of freezing fog, knowledge, and vigilance serve as your steadfast allies, empowering you to navigate these meteorological complexities with safety as your main priority.
United Robots offers a service called Advance Local Weather Alerts that gathers the most recent information from the National Weather Service using machine learning.
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